CVE-2026-22413: 
WordPress vulnerability analysis and mitigation

CVE-2026-22413 is a PHP Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in the Mikado-Themes Malgré WordPress theme, classified under CWE-98 (Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program). It affects all versions of the Malgré theme through and including version 1.0.3. The vulnerability was published on March 5, 2026, with Patchstack credited as the assigner. It carries a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.1 (High) (Feedly, Patchstack).

The root cause is improper handling of filename parameters passed to PHP include/require statements within the Malgré theme (CWE-98), which allows an attacker to manipulate the filename argument to point to arbitrary local files on the server. The attack vector is network-based, requires no authentication and no user interaction, but has high attack complexity, suggesting that specific conditions or knowledge of the target environment may be needed to exploit it successfully. By supplying a crafted path as the filename parameter, an attacker can cause the PHP interpreter to include and execute unintended local files, potentially exposing sensitive configuration data or enabling code execution when combined with file upload or log poisoning techniques (Feedly, Patchstack).

Successful exploitation can result in unauthorized disclosure of sensitive server-side files (e.g., wp-config.php, /etc/passwd), configuration disclosure, and potentially full remote code execution if chained with a file upload vulnerability or log poisoning. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a high level, meaning an attacker could read sensitive data, modify application behavior, or disrupt service. Lateral movement within a shared hosting environment is also a realistic risk if sensitive credentials are exposed through included files (Feedly).

As of the time of reporting, there is no public proof-of-concept exploit and no confirmed evidence of in-the-wild exploitation. The EPSS score is approximately 0.053%, indicating a low current probability of exploitation in the near term. No threat actor attribution has been made, and the vulnerability is not listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog (Feedly).

1. Reconnaissance: Identify WordPress sites using the Malgré theme (version ≤ 1.0.3) via passive scanning tools (e.g., WPScan, Shodan) or by inspecting theme metadata in publicly accessible style.css files.
2. Identify vulnerable parameter: Analyze the theme's PHP source code or observed HTTP requests to locate the include/require statement that accepts user-controlled filename input without proper sanitization.
3. Craft malicious request: Construct an HTTP request (GET or POST) that supplies a path-traversal payload (e.g., ../../../../wp-config.php or /etc/passwd) as the filename parameter to the vulnerable endpoint.
4. Trigger file inclusion: Submit the crafted request to the target server; if successful, the PHP interpreter includes and outputs the contents of the targeted local file.
5. Escalate (optional): If a writable directory exists and file uploads are possible, upload a PHP web shell, then use the LFI to include and execute it, achieving remote code execution (Feedly).

• Network: Unusual HTTP requests to WordPress theme endpoints containing path traversal sequences (e.g., ../, ..%2F, %2e%2e%2f) in query parameters or POST body fields.
• Logs: Web server access logs showing requests with encoded traversal strings targeting theme PHP files; repeated 200 responses to unexpected file paths from the theme directory.
• File System: Unexpected PHP files or web shells in the WordPress uploads directory or theme folder; recently modified theme files not corresponding to legitimate updates.
• Process: PHP processes reading files outside the WordPress root (e.g., /etc/passwd, /proc/self/environ) as observed via system audit logs (auditd) or file integrity monitoring alerts.

No official patch has been confirmed as available for the Malgré theme at the time of disclosure. Immediate recommended actions include: (1) Remove or disable the Malgré theme if it is not actively required; (2) Implement WAF rules to block requests containing path traversal sequences targeting WordPress theme endpoints; (3) Apply least-privilege file permissions to the web server process to limit the files accessible via LFI; (4) Monitor web server logs for traversal patterns; (5) Contact Mikado-Themes directly to request a patched version and apply it as soon as one becomes available (Feedly, Patchstack).

The vulnerability was noted in the Wordfence Intelligence Weekly WordPress Vulnerability Report covering the period of February 23 – March 1, 2026, indicating it received standard industry tracking attention. No significant independent researcher commentary or broader media coverage has been identified beyond routine vulnerability database entries (Wordfence).